Commercial Driver Licenses

All commercial drivers who are required to maintain a medical examiner’s certificate must comply with this new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulation §391.42 that goes into effect May 21, 2014.When your current medical certificate expires on or after May 21 2014, you must be examined by a medical professional listed on FMCSA’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.Go to FMCSA’s website to find a medical professional who is nationally registered as a Certified Medical Examiner https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/NRPublicUI/home.seam.

Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more provided the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. May also operate a three-wheel vehicle (excluding a two-wheel motorcycle with a side car).

Class B

Any single unit vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. May also operate a three-wheel vehicle (excluding a two-wheel motorcycle with a side car).

Class C

Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that are not Class A or B vehicles, but either designed to transport sixteen or more passengers including the driver, or are placarded for H hazardous materials under 49 CFR, part 172, subpart F of the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. May also operate a three-wheel vehicle (excluding a two-wheel motorcycle with a side car).

Vehicle Description

Class License Needed to Operate Vehicle

A

B

C

GCWR 26,001 or more - combination vehicle towing a vehicle in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR

X

GVWR 26,001 or more - single vehicle or combination towing vehicle less than 10,000 pounds GVWR

X

GVWR 26,000 or less - designed to transport 16 or more passengers

X

GVWR 26,000 or less - placarded for hazardous material

X

Note: Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is defined in South Carolina Code of Law, Section 56-1-2030, item 16 as the weight or the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a single or a combination vehicle. The gross vehicle weight rating of a combination vehicle (commonly referred to as the "gross combination weight rating") is the gross vehicle weight rating of the power unit plus the gross vehicle weight rating of a towed unit.

Commercial licenses expire every five years on the driver's birthday and may not be renewed by mail.

Each time you make application for a CDL permit, CDL license, upgrade of CDL license, renewal of CDL license, change of address, or request a duplicate CDL, you will be required to provide proof that you are medically qualified pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR, Part 391. You must complete Form DL-405Ato self-certify the type of commerce for which you intend to operate. You must also provide a valid medical certification for any type of commerce that requires it. (See Frequently Asked Questions regarding form DL-405A.) SCDMV will collect the driver’s certification information and add it to the national Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) record. All commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must be self-certified or risk losing his or her driving privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must comply each time they apply for a new credential, renew or upgrade their credential. If a medical certificate is required, you must also show your valid DOT Medical Certificate or pocket card of the Medical Certificate. DMV will not accept a medical certificate if it expires within 30 days from the date it is presented.

If you upgrade or downgrade your commercial license endorsement or class, you must complete Form DL-402 and provide information regarding any previous out-of-state drivers' licenses.

4)School Bus – a knowledge and skills test.To receive an "S" endorsement, you must also have a "P" endorsement and take a skills test in a vehicle that meets the following definition: "School Bus" means a CMV used to transport pre-primary, primary or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events. A school bus does not include a bus used as a common carrier.

To obtain any endorsement, you must successfully pass all required knowledge and/or skills tests.The skills test must be taken in the type vehicle for which the endorsement is issued.

If you upgrade your commercial license endorsement or class, you must Complete Form DL-402 and provide information regarding any previous out-of-state drivers' licenses.

When you apply for an upgrade to your commercial driver's license, you must complete Form DL-405Ato self-certify the type of commerce for which you intend to operate. You must also provide a valid medical certification for any type of commerce that requires it. (See Frequently Asked Questions regarding form DL-405A.) SCDMV will collect the driver’s certification information and add it to the national Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) record. All commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must be self-certified or risk losing his or her privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must comply each time they apply for a new credential, renew or upgrade their credential. If a medical certificate is required, you must also show your valid DOT Medical Certificate or pocket card of the Medical Certificate. DMV will not accept a medical certificate if it expires within 30 days from the date it is presented.

SCDMV will run automatic checks against the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) databases to check your prior driving history in other states. The checks are performed when a customer applies for an original credential, renews a credential, is reexamined or moves from a beginner permit to a license. They are designed to insure drivers have only one valid license at a time.

The CDL holder is restricted from operating a commercial motor vehicle without Automatic Transmission.The restriction is applied to a CDL if the vehicle used during the road test had automatic or semi-automatic transmission.

If the CDL holder wants to remove this restriction he must successfully pass the entire skills test in a commercial motor vehicle that is not equipped with automatic transmission.

I

Intrastate only

The CDL holder is restricted from operating a commercial motor vehicle outside of South Carolina.Only allows intrastate transportation of shipments/loads that originated in SC and ended in SC.The load cannot start or finish outside the state of SC (interstate shipment).Drivers 18 through 20 years of age require an I Restriction.

If the CDL holder wants to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce instead of intrastate he must visit an SCDMV office once he turns 21 years old to upgrade his license.

K

Vehicle without airbrakes

The CDL holder is restricted from operating a vehicle with air brakes. This restriction is applied to a CDL if the vehicle used during the road test was not equipped with air brakes.

If the CDL holder wants to remove this restriction he must successfully pass the knowledge test for air brakes and pass the skills test in a commercial motor vehicle equipped with air brakes.

M

Except Class A Bus

The CDL holder is restricted from operating a class A passenger vehicle because he used a class B passenger vehicle during his skills test for his passenger endorsement.

If the CDL holder wants to remove this restriction he must successfully pass the skills test in a class A passenger vehicle.

N

Except Class A and B Bus

The CDL holder is restricted from operating a class A or B passenger vehicle because he used a class C passenger vehicle during his skills test for his passenger endorsement.

If the CDL holder wants to remove this restriction he must successfully pass the skills test in a class A or class B passenger vehicle.However, if a class B passenger vehicle is used the N restriction will be replaced with an M restriction.

P

Excepted Interstate

The CDL holder is restricted from operating a commercial motor vehicle outside of the authorized activities defined by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and he is not required to meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements.

If the CDL holder wants to remove this restriction he must present a DOT medical card, and complete another SCDMV Form DL-405A selecting a type of operation other than “Excepted Interstate”.

V

Medical Variance

This restriction indicates that the CDL holder has a medical variance (Federal Waiver or Skills Performance Evaluation) that goes along with his DOT medical certification.

This restriction must never be removed as long as the DOT medical certificate references a medical variance.

Z

Except Tractor Trailer

The CDL holder is restricted from operating a commercial motor vehicle tractor (pulling unit) with a fifth-wheel articulation.This restriction is applied to the CDL if the applicant used a unit with a pintle hook, or ball and chain hook up during the skills test.

If the CDL holder wants to remove this restriction he must successfully pass any necessary knowledge tests for the vehicle he is operating. He must also successfully pass the complete skills test.The unit used during the skills test must include a fifth-wheel articulation, and meet the GVWR requirements.The tractor (pulling unit) must have a GVWR of 26,0001 or more pounds and pulling a trailer which has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more

To get a beginner’s permit in the state of South Carolina to operate a commercial motor vehicle you must meet the same requirements listed below for an initial CDL minus item #10 (passing the road test). In accordance with FMCSA regulation Part 383.25 (E), original CDL Beginner Permit holders must wait 14 days from the date the permit is issued before they are eligible to take the skills test.You are not required to take the skills test until you are prepared to successfully pass the pre-trip inspection, off-road and on-road driving for a commercial driver’s license.

A CDL beginner's permit can only be renewed or reissued once within a two-year period according to SC Code of Law § 56-1-2080 (C) (3).See requirements below for renewing a CDL, which are the same requirements for renewing a CDL BP.

To obtain a Commercial Driver's License for the first time in the state of South Carolina, the following are required:

You must be at least 18 years of age to drive within the State of South Carolina and 21 years of age for interstate driving.

Certify that you have read and understand, and meet the qualification requirements under 49 CFR, Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Complete Form DL-405A to self-certify the type of commerce for which you intend to use your CDL. You must also provide a valid medical certification for any type of commerce that requires it. (See Frequently Asked Questions regarding form DL-405A.) SCDMV will collect the driver’s certification information and add it to the national Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) record. All commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must be self-certified or risk losing his or her driving privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must comply each time they apply for a new credential, renew or upgrade their credential.

If required, show your valid DOT Medical Certificate or pocket card of the Medical Certificate to meet the requirement of providing proof that you are medically qualified pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR, part 391. South Carolina requires that you maintain a valid medical Examiner's Certificate to obtain and/or retain a commercial driver instruction permit or commercial driver's license. DMV will not accept a medical certificate if it expires within 30 days from the date it is presented.

Pass all required knowledge tests for license or permit in the classification you intend to operate. There is a $2.00 fee for each knowledge test taken.

Pass the road test, which includes the pre-trip inspection, off-road and on-road driving.

Pay $12.50 license fee.

Provide Automobile liability insurance information (SC Code Section 56-1-80(C). Insurance company must be licensed to do business in the state of South Carolina.

When you apply for a commercial driver's license, SCDMV will run automatic checks against the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) databases to check your prior driving history in other states. The checks are performed when a customer applies for an original credential, renews a credential, is reexamined or moves from a beginner permit to a license. They are designed to insure drivers have only one valid license at a time.

After establishing residency in South Carolina, you must apply to transfer your CDL license within 30 days.

When you apply for a commercial driver's license, SCDMV will run automatic checks against the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) databases to check your prior driving history in other states. The checks are performed when a customer applies for an original credential, renews a credential, is reexamined or moves from a beginner permit to a license. They are designed to insure drivers have only one valid license at a time.

You will be required to surrender your out-of-state license before a South Carolina commercial driver's license can be issued.

To transfer a CDL from another state to South Carolina, the following are required:

You must be 21 years of age for interstate driving.

Certify that you have read and understand, and meet the qualification requirements under 49 CFR, Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Complete Form DL-405A to self-certify the type of commerce for which you intend to operate. You must also provide a valid medical certification for any type of commerce that requires it. (See Frequently Asked Questions regarding form DL-405A.) SCDMV will collect the driver’s certification information and add it to the national Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) record. All commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must be self-certified or risk losing his or her driving privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must comply each time they apply for a new credential, renew or upgrade their credential.

If required, show your valid DOT Medical Certificate or pocket card of the Medical Certificate to meet the requirement of providing proof that you are medically qualified pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR, part 391. South Carolina requires that you maintain a valid medical Examiner's Certificate to obtain and/or retain a commercial driver instruction permit or commercial driver's license. DMV will not accept a medical certificate if it expires within 30 days from the date it is presented.

Provide Automobile liability insurance information (SC Code Section 56-1-80(C). Insurance company must be licensed to do business in the state of South Carolina.

Note that Section 23-3-460 of the SC Code of Laws states that a person who has been convicted anywhere of an offense listed in 23-3-430 must register with the county sheriff within 10 days of establishing residency in South Carolina. A copy of the Sex Offender Registry Law is available upon request.

Each time you renew your South Carolina Commercial Driver's License you must provide proof that you are medically qualified for the CDL. To renew your CDL the following are required:

Complete Form DL-405Ato self-certify the type of commerce for which you intend to operate only if you haven't done so already or if the type of commerce you intend to operate changed from what DMV has recorded.. You must also provide a valid medical certification for any type of commerce that requires it. (See Frequently Asked Questions regarding form DL-405A.) SCDMV will collect the driver’s certification information and add it to the national Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) record. All commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must be self-certified or risk losing his or her driving privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must comply each time they apply for a new credential, renew or upgrade their credential.

If required, show your valid DOT Medical Certificate or pocket card of the Medical Certificate to meet the requirement of providing proof that you are medically qualified pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR, Part 391. South Carolina requires that you maintain a valid medical Examiner's Certificate to obtain and/or retain a commercial driver instruction permit or commercial driver's license.DMV will not accept a medical certificate if it expires within 30 days from the date it is presented.

If there has been more than five points assessed against your driver's license within the two years prior to renewal, the general knowledge test will be required. There is a $2.00 test fee for each test taken.

School Bus Test, required to transport pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events.

Tanker Test, required if you want to haul liquids or gaseous materials within a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis.

Doubles/Triples Test, required if you want to pull double or triple trailers.

The type of CDL written knowledge tests you need to pass depends on the type of commercial motor vehicle you drive and the cargo you haul. Illustrations of typical vehicle configurations are shown below.

If you pass the required knowledge tests, you can then take the CDL skills test. Only the applicant and DMV Examiner are allowed in or around the vehicle during the skills test. There are three parts to the CDL skills test which must be taken in this order: (1) the pre-trip inspection test, (2) the basic control skills test, and (3) the on-road test. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed. To be eligible for a CDL, all three parts of the CDL skills test must be passed at one time.

Pre-trip Inspection. The purpose of the pre-trip inspection is to see whether the vehicle is safe to drive. You will be required to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and to explain to the examiner what you are inspecting and why. The examiner will mark on a scoring form each item that you correctly inspect and explain. This information can be located in Section 10 of the CDL Manual.

Basic Control Skills Test. The purpose of the basic control skills test is to evaluate your basic skills in controlling the vehicle. You will be asked to perform four maneuvers: The Stop Line, Straight Line Backing, Forward Serpentine, and the Alley Dock. This information can be located in Section 11 of the CDL Manual.

Road Test. The purpose of the road test is to evaluate your ability to drive safely in a variety of on-road situations. You will drive a test route following the instructions given by the examiner. The test route will include left and right turns, intersections, railroad crossing, curves, up and down grades, interstate, city and rural roads. The examiner will score specific areas of the test route. The examiner will not ask you to do anything dangerous or illegal. This information can be located in Section 12 of the CDL Manual.

SCDMV will allow qualified military service members to waive the commercial skills test to obtain a commercial driver license effective April 14, 2014. The waiver allows them to apply for a South Carolina commercial driver license without having to take the skills test. However, applicants must still pass all required knowledge tests and comply with mandatory federal regulations before receiving a commercial motor vehicle license.

To qualify, applicants must be active military personnel or within 12 months after separation of military service. They must also have served in a military position requiring the operation of a military commercial motor vehicle. Applicants must have a valid South Carolina driver license and cannot have held more than one other driver license within the past two years. Drivers whose licenses were suspended, revoked, cancelled or disqualified during the previous two years are not eligible for the waiver.

On April 14, 2014, SCDMV began accepting applications for the waiver. While other states or entities may provide similar versions of the application, DMV will only accept Form DL-408A. The form must be signed by the applicant’s Commanding Officer. Service members should allow DMV two weeks to process their applications.

Knowledge, skills and vision tests are required when you apply for an original commercial driver license (CDL) or upgrade to a different class of license. You may take the CDL knowledge test and vision test at any DMV office that provides full driver license services.The South Carolina Driver’s Handbook, CDL Manual, or other testing aids cannot be used while taking the knowledge test. Tests will be treated as a failure if a hand book or other types of testing aids are used during the test. If you are caught using a cell phone, using a camera device or found talking to others during the test, you will also fail the test.You must make an appointment to take a CDL driving skills test at any of the 35 DMV offices listed below:

Allendale

Beaufort

Bennettsville

Bishopville

Camden

Charleston(Leeds Ave)

Chester

Chesterfield

Columbia(Shop Rd)

Conway

Dillon

Florence

Fountain Inn

Gaffney

Georgetown

Greenville(Saluda Dam Rd)

Greenwood

Greer

Irmo

Kingstree

Ladson

LakeCity

Lancaster

Laurens

McCormick

North Augusta

Orangeburg

Pickens

Ridgeland

Rock Hill(Hands Mill Rd)

Seneca

Spartanburg(Southport Rd)

St George

Sumter

Walterboro

Valid Inspection Sticker

Unless exempt from FMCSA regulations 396.17, the DMV examiner must verify that every commercial motor vehicle used in interstate commerce in excess of 10,000 lbs.has a valid inspection sticker. If a commercial vehicle does not have a valid inspection sticker, it does not meet qualifications and the examiner will not allow you to take the test.

Retaking the Entire Skills Test

Applicants who take the CDL examination will be required to pass all portions of the skills test on the same day. A failure of any portion of the test will require the applicant to retake the test in its entirety.

1. If the applicant fails any portion of the skills test (pre-trip, basic skills, or on-road test), the $25.00 fee is required for subsequent skills tests.

2. If an applicant cannot complete any portion of the pre-trip or basic skills tests after its been started for reasons beyond their control, such as inclement weather, the vehicle fails, or the examiner gets sick, the $25.00 fee will not be charged when the applicant returns.

Return Times if You Fail the Road Skills Test

a) An applicant with no previous driving experience who fails a skills test must wait two (2) weeks to re-test regardless of age.b) An applicant who has had previous driving experience (held a former driver's license) who fails a skills test, must wait one (1) week to retest regardless of age. Holding a beginner’s permit does not count as former driving experience. c) If the applicant has failed the skills test on the third (3rd) or subsequent attempt he/she must wait sixty (60) days before being re-tested.

Type of Credential Held by Customer

Skills Test

Wait Time

Before Returning for Next Test

Beginner’s Permit only –

no other previous driving experience

Fails 1stor 2nd attempt

Must wait two (2) weeks

NOTE:If customer also holds a driver’s license in a different class than the beginner’s permit they would only have to wait one week to re-test (see below).

The type of CDL written knowledge tests you need to pass depends on the type of commercial motor vehicle you drive and the cargo you haul. Some examples follow.

VEHICLE GROUPS (FMSCR 383.91) AND ASSOCIATED CDL TESTS

ENDORSEMENTS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

KNOWLEDGE TESTS REQUIRED

SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

T

Combination vehicles with double or triple trailers.

·Doubles/Triples

Skills Test NOT required to add endorsement

N

A CMV that is designed to transport any liquid or gaseous materials within a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis.

·Tank Vehicle

Skills Test NOT required to add endorsement

H

Any vehicle used to transport any material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR part 172; or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin 42 CFR Part 73

·Hazardous Materials

Skills Test NOT required to add endorsement

X

Any vehicle used to transport hazardous materials or waste in placarded amounts as identified above , which requires both the N & H endorsements

·Tank Vehicle

·Hazardous Materials

Skills Test NOT required to add endorsement

P

Any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

·Passenger Transport

Skills Test Required

S

Any school bus designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

·School Bus

Skills Test Required

RESTRICTIONS

If the vehicle used for testing is not equipped with air brakes, license must show a “K” - no air brake equipped CMV restriction.

If the vehicle used for testing is equipped with an automatic transmission, license must show an “E” – no manual transmission equipped CMV restriction.

If the vehicle combination used for testing is not a truck-tractor semi-trailer combination, license must show a “Z” – no tractor trailer CMV restriction.